October 2021

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

MIDDLE EAST

OCTOBER 2021

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

EDITOR’S NOTE In our October issue, regular contributor John A. Davies pays tribute to Landscape veteran and now author of Landscape Plants of Arabia, Julian Lee. The book has been some twenty years in the making for the Dubai based Landscape designer. It’s been described as “a remarkable work of reference that will prove invaluable for horticulturalists and amateur gardeners across the Middle East and beyond.” (Pg 22) I look forward to ploughing through it and indeed would ask all of our readers to support this local author and talent for his commendable work.

Meanwhile, we showcase projects from OMRAN architects in New Cairo, Egypt. (Pg 32) As well as a new build landscape project in Dubai Hills that oozes luxury by Dubai based Gin Wingfield designs. (Pg 18) And of course, we have articles from the greatest show in the world, Expo 2020 Dubai, with a focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pavilion design, as well as the green lung of the Expo site, Expo Park designed

by Cracknell and will form an important part of the show’s legacy long after the Expo is finished. (Pg 4 & 8)

Managing Partner: Ziad Maarouf Amine Copy Editor: John Hampton Administrative Assistance: Sarry Gan Art Director: Ramon Andaya Contributors: Gin Wingfiled, Will Bennette, Justine Dowsing, Katrina of Plat Studio, Ashok Ganapathy Iyer, John Arthur Davies, Hania Dabbous, Ben Veal Printed by: Al Nisr Publishing LLC Webmaster: www.pdinventive.com

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CONTENTS

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October 2021 - Issue 172

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Saudi Arabia EXPOPavilion Landscape

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Parkhill Commons A Green Community Hub

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Grant Associates awarded Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show with The Guangzhou Garden

EXPO2020 Double Bill in Dubai The Secret to the UAE’s Green Future Luxury Landscape trends Greening of Arabia A Walk About the City of London Palm Hills Villa

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I DUBAI EXPO

Cracknell presents Innovative EXPO 2020 Dubai Double Bill

Saudi Arabia EXPO Pavilion Landscape Celebrating Saudi Natural Wonders in a Landmark Futuristic Setting By: Cracknell cracknell.com

The extraordinary Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion cantilevers dramatically over innovative terraces of native trees and flowering shrubs that cleverly conceal hanging gardens over exhibition spaces below. Centred in the ‘Opportunity’ Thematic District at EXPO 2020 Dubai, this futuristic structure rising from an oasis of palms is the largest Pavilion of all the visiting countries.

The Vision was for an inspirational journey showcasing the Saudi Kingdom’s past, present and future, permeated with four themes: Diverse People, Rich Heritage, Natural Wonders and Vast Opportunities. This unique, unforgettable and immersive experience was to connect the world to the Saudi Kingdom. Renowned landscape architects Cracknell worked closely alongside Lead Architect and Designer Boris Micka Architects (BMA) on the interaction of the Pavilion architecture with the landscape design development to ensure a consistent design language.

Greeting visitors from afar, the BMA designed Pavilion stands out as a high-tech landmark at EXPO with a sophisticated audio-visual system integrated into the exterior façades and floor. Viewed from the front a kaleidoscopic and ornamental shrub layer of Russelia juncea, Senecio confusus and Urechites lutea provides eye catching interest. On arrival at the Pavilion, a vast glass facade overhead creates shade over the ‘Pavilion square’ which doubles as an urban plaza of events and rest in the day. This glass facade acts as a ‘mirror’ reflecting the activities on the plaza. The space was designed with integrated seating enhancing the formality of the gathering space and allowing onlookers a comfortable place from which to view the audiovisual displays and folklore performances.

The hanging gardens cascade into the exhibition space below creating a calming and cool environment - as CGI concept (below) and at completion (opposite).

The Pavilion landscape is a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s ‘Natural Wonders’, its starkly beautiful landscapes with red sand and limestone rocks, aquamarine pools and shimmering grasses swaying beneath emerald green oases. The distinctive texture and shapes of Saudi Arabia’s palm trunks and leaves are shown as patterns in the street furniture and surrounding green walls.

Hanging Gardens CGI; images courtesy of Boris Micka Associates.

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5 Hanging Gardens; images courtesy of Boris Micka Associates.

I DUBAI EXPO

An elegant palette of granite selected for the urban hardscape complements the monumental Pavilion.

When darkness falls, the facade becomes a huge screen, projecting inspiring and thought-provoking messages and images inviting curiosity and exploration. Cracknell’s refined and elegant palette of locally sourced grey granites and natural stone allows the Pavilion and surrounding gardens to ‘sing’ their true colours; this is especially true at night when the projections and LED displays cast a mesmerising glow.

Surrounding the Pavilion is an oasis of KSA native date palms. The palms are planted with a colourful understorey of blues (Medicago sativa’s and Asystasia gangetica vaiegata) and pinks (Antigonon leptopus and Ipomoea pescaprae) where orange flowers (Tagetus erecta) pop against soft purple hues (Ipomoea batatas-blackie) and lime greens (Ipomoea batatas).

The palms are cleverly arranged on an intricate grid that allows dappled light to filter into the exhibition spaces below. Two discrete entrances separate VIP guests from the public, but the design ethos unites all in a recognition of the beauty of Saudi native flora.

Near the end of the visitors’ experience, after they have journeyed up from the interior of the Pavilion, immersing in KSA’s heritage, identity, visionary appreciation of the future, and a discovery of KSA ambitions, visitors find themselves back under a skylit space. Here, the palms beyond the skylights filter the Dubai sun in soft shadows over elegant hanging gardens and the World’s longest interactive water curtain. The cascading oasis of yellow Maiden’s jealousy (Tristellateia australisiae) and pink Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas blackie), and Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea pes caprae) create a cool and relaxing environment.

Inside the Pavilion, a contemplative dry garden is found, showcasing the beauty of the Saudi Arabian desert with rock formations that epitomise the dramatic natural Wadis. Flashes of colour pop out of the landscape as bright totems - these are inspired by the colours of the Saudi Arabia Forum - Blue water for the Red Sea, Brown for the high mountains, Green for date farms and agriculture and Ochre for the Saudi desert sand. Palms rise up at the back of the garden helping to contain the tranquil garden space and sensitively conceal back of house facilities.

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The Saudi Arabia Pavilion / Open Plaza; images courtesy of Boris Micka Associates.

Green Wall; images courtesy of Boris Micka Associates.

The reflections of the mirrored steel and green wall panels visually contain the landscape whilst picking up the design language of the Pavilion.

Construction of Palm Oasis; images courtesy of Boris Micka Associates.

The palm oasis under construction - glass panels seen here shelter the VIP exhibition space below.

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Public entrance through an oasis of palms native to Saudi Arabia

Public Garden; images courtesy of Boris Micka Associates.

A green retaining wall with angled planted strips is mirrored, emulating the steel surface of the Pavilion.

The dry garden courtyard is reflected back on itself, adding further visual delight.

A key emphasis of EXPO 2020 Dubai is Sustainability and the KSA Pavilion represents a benchmark. All materials and plants were sourced locally, and it has been awarded LEED Platinum certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the highest internationally recognised sustainability rating.

Irrigation was of primary concern and was required to be of very low quantities by the exhibition planners. In order to maximise the planting within the allowance an automatic system was installed to monitor and maintain distribution efficiency. The selection of drought tolerant and native and adaptive species also reduced the required water need and the daily irrigation cycle is run in two shifts to minimise water loss. A particular challenge for Cracknell was the suspended palm gardens above the basement VIP and public courtyards; these are supported by a complex spanning steel structure in which the palms and shrubs are contained in bespoke GRP pots. Cracknell developed the technical details, in coordination with lead architects BMA and the structural and MEP engineers, to provide the planters with a water efficient automatic irrigation system and drainage through the structure.

Cracknell’s landscape execution for the Pavilion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at EXPO 2020 Dubai delivers a heightened sense of its Natural Wonders, inspiring new generations of the World to celebrate the Kingdom’s heritage and diversity in a landscape of opportunity.

The Pavilion opened on 1st October 2021 as part of EXPO 2020 Dubai. Tickets can be acquired from https://www.expo2020dubai.com/en/tickets-andmerchandise/tickets. After EXPO the Pavilion will remain as a special and enduring legacy of the Dubai World Fair.

Client: Aramco Contractors: Building Contractor - Alec Engineering Landscape Contractor - Gulf Landscape and Irrigation Systems Project Consultants Team: Lead Architect - Boris Micka Associates (BMA) Content Designer - Boris Micka Associates (BMA) Landscape Architect - Cracknell Project Engineers - DAR Architect of record - Khatib & Alami 7

All images Copyright Cracknell Landscape Design LLC

I DUBAI EXPO

EXPO Park

Reflect on the Worlds Fair in Gardens of Delight and Imagination By: Cracknell cracknell.com

Entrance to the EXPO Park

Between the exuberance and bustle of the EXPO site and the Mall and Residences lying just outside, Cracknell’s innovative MEED Award winning EXPO Park acts as a transitional green conduit, offering pools of respite and delight amongst the throng and flow of visitors.

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The paths wind in sinuous leaflike forms as if shaped by the shamal winds.

The Park’s inspiration and narrative are drawn from EXPO’s central themes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. With the site offering a linear open leaf shape and drawing influences from the locality, the kinetic energy of the forces of nature were chosen as

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Incidental and quiet spots to play are coupled with engaging equipment for active fun.

a core inspiration. The sinuous shapes of the shifting sands of the desert created by wind erosion form the basis for the site pattern making, circulation and landform.

A primary entry point to both the Park and the EXPO is the METRO station at the eastern end; along with the EXPO Mall along the Northern edge

of the Park, these will create a significant throughflow of visitors. Channelling this movement of people is key to the Park’s success. From bagladen shoppers, to joggers padding along, to amblers looking for a moment’s reflection and families with children energetically clattering – everyone is catered for!

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I DUBAI EXPO

During construction - Commanding views into the Park; steep slopes provided opportunities to create drama.

Atmospheric shade amongst the cooling tree canopy.

At the entrance the Welcome Plaza draws people in and announces their arrival at the Park.

A series of innovative gardens lead the visitor through a transitional journey to the eastern end of the Park where bold structures and vibrant art create a draw. A grand central space hosts events and activities and can be adapted for mega events or act simply as an informal gathering lawn whilst

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the park edges are lined with lively cafe spill-out and kiosks creating an animated Market Plaza on the southern edge.

Echoing the forces of nature that shape Dubai’s natural sand dunes, Cracknell designed a continuous flow of in-situ concrete paving for the path network, expressing the kinetic energy of the space. This flexible hardscape material includes a

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Path surface and floral colours ‘pop’ amongst the lush palms and grasses.

variety of inlaid patterns and textures, creating moments of interest and discovery. Wayfinding is woven into the surfacing, adding layers of information that invite the curious to explore further. The jogging paths are well defined and link to a wider network of routes within the overall EXPO context.

The boundless kinetic energy of children is celebrated in structured and incidental play throughout. Catering for all age ranges and abilities, inclusivity was a key design consideration. Dispersed throughout the park, varied spaces allow for quiet play time alone or in busy groups on playful mounds with endless

possibilities and interpretations. Interactive dry deck fountains provide further delight for children as well as a place to cool off.

Furniture was designed to contribute to the playful Park identity. More than just a place to sit, the seating elements express the fluid forms and shapes of the Park, blending with the context.

The lighting is playful also-bringing colour and character after dark.

The Park design capitalised on the distinct level changes. The Mall Plaza and Terraces have commanding views into the Park and the steep banks down to the central green space provided an opportunity to create drama, with terraced planting

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I DUBAI EXPO

Lush planting helps to screen views to the Mall.

During construction - Using levels to create a ‘valley’ of play.

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Public washrooms concealed in landscape mound.

and ramps. The play area also emphasised the slopes and capitalised on the level changes, using slides and climbing walls. The effect this achieved was to create the feeling that the Park is set within a valley, with the planted slopes minimising the visual impact of the Mall, ensuring that the Park feels as though it is addressing the residential community. The level transitions also presented opportunities to bury some of the infrastructure facilities including public washrooms and MEP rooms below green roofs and plazas.

A lush backdrop of planted colour and spectacle is brought to all the activity through the sharp pinks of Bougainvillea and Hibiscus whilst the sprays of Caesalpinia flowers pop with rich oranges and pinks. Spikey accents of Agaves and Sanseveria poke through whilst the Cordia and Plumeria trees complement the lush palms with

tropical tones. Through textures, colour, scent and shade the planting enlivens the senses and provides haven and respite.

Cracknell has designed EXPO Park to be not only a vital green ‘lung’ to the EXPO2020 but also as a key legacy space for Dubai. Much consideration was given to the residents of the adjacent EXPO Village who will ultimately adopt the Park as an important local green space. Long after EXPO has finished, residents and visitors alike will bring life and community to a new and important area of public realm in one of the most visited cities in the World.

Client: Dubai World Trade Centre Landscape Architect: Cracknell Contractor: Proscape Utility, Services and MEP: AD Studio Dubai

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I LANDSCAPE OVERVIEW

The Secret to the UAE’s Green Future

No compromise needed says Senior Landscape Architect duo: We can achieve lush and biodiverse cities whilst reducing water usage and saving money

By: Will Bennett and Noor Itrakjy Drylands cover over one third of the Earth’s surface and include a huge range of landscape typologies including true deserts and arid regions. ‘Drylands’ are characterised by scarcity of freshwater and rainfall, where the precipitation is as little as 5% of the evapotranspiration rate (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification). At the extreme end of the scale deserts see less than 25mm of rainfall annually and in most of these regions climate change will continue to exacerbate several desertification processes (IPPC Report, 2021).

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is classified as hyper-arid, or desert. Yet, within the country there is an uncharacteristic wealth of green infrastructure.

– how is this possible? Historically in UAE the majority of new landscape developments have been inspired by places overseas, where the major expatriate communities originated from. Therefore,

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the plantings have consisted mostly of exotic, non-native species which do not compliment the climate of the UAE and require vast amounts of irrigation and maintenance input. The overuse of such plants with high-water needs, combined with reducing aquifer levels and increasing water salinity has created major environmental and ecological challenges.

The landscape challenges; Flooding & water scarcity in the UAE With average annual rainfall ranges from 80 and 140mm (Sherif et al., 2014) and exploitation due to a burgeoning population, naturally occurring aquifers are depleting much faster than they are replenished. According to some environmentalists, the UAE could run out of its resources in 50 years. Around 550 litres are consumed in the UAE per person per day, the

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(Severe flooding near Barsha Heights and The Greens, January 2020)

global average being 180-200 litres. (Saikat, 2010). Attempts to cloudseed and induce rainfall have begun in recent years but the long-term benefits, and impacts, of this are yet to be seen.

The majority of the country’s current water is now sourced from seawater desalination plants and this approach is adopted and developed in other new desert mega-cities, such as NEOM in Saudi Arabia. While this technology continues to evolve and find much greater efficiency, we should ask ourselves what are the consequences of greater productivity… as costs decrease and availability increases could this be further validating a culture of over-use?

Somewhat ironically, the region suffers rare but major urban flooding most years. This is caused by significant precipitation inundating the urban infrastructure and exacerbated by poor drainage strategies and very high coverage of sealed, impermeable surfaces with little vegetative cover. This causes major disruption to ecological communities and financial loss – both Riyadh and Mecca saw people and cars washed away this year, and the images of water cascading down escalators in Dubai Mall from 2019 bring this to life vividly.

Yet with these urban challenges, common to many other urban centres globally, comes compelling opportunities: to not only solve these issues but create dynamic new urban environments which are more liveable, sustainable, exciting, verdant, and resilient in the future. As ever, nature has many of the answers…

Let’s act now! Time to reduce irrigation by planting native and native adaptive species When designing planting, irrigation strategies should be embedded from the outset; Reviewing the quality and quantity of water available, how reliable the supply is and considering the different methods of delivery. In our opinion, it’s a no-brainer that irrigation is minimised by the selection of droughttolerant species – mostly native and desert-adapted plants. Furthermore, the reduction in quantities of plants proposed is a major opportunity because we often see landscapes over-planted in places that don’t require this approach. We should allow plants to grow to more mature sizes and to their natural forms. This provides greater amenity value and opportunities for biodiversity: less creates more!

At the early concept design stage, we must educate clients and develop strategies which respond to climatic conditions, apply recommendations in biodiversity plans, prioritise ecological enhancement and re-wilding opportunities, and use a palette of soft materials

Figure 1: A soft landscape strategy developed by HLM Architects.

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I LANDSCAPE OVERVIEW that flourish with minimal inputs. Principles of xeriscaping should be encouraged by responding proactively to the climate emergency. The example above (Figure 1.) is of a soft landscape strategy developed by HLM Architects and ECEC for a project in Saudi Arabia, showing a strong planting strategy inspired from the local landscape character types including; Wadi’s and wetlands, sand dunes, sabkha (salt flats) and raudhats (meadows).

We must reduce specifying lawn grasses, flowering annuals and thirsty palm trees. It’s a common misconception that the date palm is a native to true deserts. The date palm is a plant of desert oases and water abundant places - so whilst its cultural heritage and religious symbolism are significant, so are its water requirements… each palm needs up to 150 litres of water per day. When we compare that with 10-20 litres needed for certain desert trees, we see a bountiful opportunity to plant up to 10 times more trees if we make smarter decisions when specifying plants from the outset.

Choose the right irrigation to complement the planting style.

We should apply hydrozoning more often when grouping plants. Hydrozoning is the practice of clustering plants together with similar water requirements to conserve water. By doing this it is possible to customise irrigation schedules for each area’s needs, improving efficiency and avoiding over and underwatering plants.

An alternative to this approach is the move from ‘inline’ to ‘online’ strategies. Inline piping has regularly spaced equal sized emitters meaning water is distributed evenly and at the same flow rate. This works well for monocrop agriculture or mass planting of the same species. As we push the industry towards more diverse, exciting, and complex plant mixes the irrigation design should also support this trend. Online allows us to place individual emitters adjacent to each plant, with flow rates specific to the plant’s needs – a much better system for mixed plantings with nuance.

It’s a no-brainer that irrigation is minimised by the selection of droughttolerant species – mostly native and desertadapted plants.”

In conclusion, we believe that landscapes with more thoughtfully designed planting will dramatically improve arid cities. Using the right native and adapted plants presents better opportunities for re-wilding, afforestation, sand stabilization, wind breaks and future crops in drought and saline conditions, all of which can

(Using a mix of desert adapted plants, WILDEN have proven savings of more than 60% water in their landscape designs) Photo by Anya Twist.

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contribute to sustainable green infrastructure and maintaining the unique character of desert landscapes. Using native plants will not only reduce the water requirement but also provide lower maintenance solutions for clients.

We see the future challenges of water scarcity as an incredible opportunity to rapidly improve the resilience of arid cities by moving to better adapted desert flora and fauna. With intelligent changes, it is possible to plant significantly more, resulting in much greater urban greening, with a cascade of secondary benefits which improve wellness, urban character, biodiversity enhancement, economic development and local identity. In our next article we’re excited to share with you what our future vision could look like… watch this space!

Low-fuss, big impact plant suggestions for your next project in the UAE: Aerva javanica Leptadenia pyrotechnica Senna alexandrina Senna italica Tephrosia appolinea Sporobolus spicatus Acacia tortilis Vachellia farnesiana Calotropis cineraria Heliotropium digynum Salvadora persica Tamarix arabica Stipagrostis plumos Prosopis cineraria Nannorhops ritchiana

(Illustrative vignettes above developed by HLM Architects in collaboration with ECEC on a scheme in Saudi Arabia, displaying the principles of xeriscaping and native planting characters.)

Will Bennett, Founder of WILDEN Design in Dubai and Noor Itrakjy, Senior Landscape Architect at HLM Architects in London, share a passion for designing landscapes in arid landscapes and urban areas. The pair met while studying landscape architecture and town planning at the University of Sheffield in 2006. Since then, they’ve become great friends and have collaborated professionally in the UAE since 2018. Given their mutual affinity for sustainable landscapes they plan to continue to share their work in this arena. Will & Noor are Chartered Members of the Landscape Institute, UK

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I LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Luxury Landscape trends Project in Progress

Professional landscaping design service, Gin Wingfield Designs shares a new build project that translates a vision into a beautifully expanded design.

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We wanted to create luxury that will last a lifetime by finding the ideal finishing touches to complement the aesthetics of the already completed villa in Dubai Hills. The project requirements allowed a lot of freedom and we took cue from briefs received over emails and phone calls and set out to create serenity and sophistication. “Having a lot of free rein can be as exciting and exhilarating as it can be daunting, while the particular needs of my clients may vary, the experience, skills, and professional approach I offer, never fail to get the job done,” says Gin. The design included a network of interesting features, interspersed with well-styled function.

With the villa 350.3 sq.m, and the 1214.4 sq.m plot was a great canvas to work with. The aim was to stay contemporary while achieving the clients’ list of requirements as follows:

• To create a striking front door entrance. First impressions last, and this property needed an elegant and self-assured style.

• Incorporating the existing tile paving into the design. Finding harmony with what was already there, therby allowing better integration between the current build and new additions.

• Adding low maintenance ground cover greenery all around the villa in the form of artificial lawn.

• Softening the straight lines created by the perimeter to create some interest.

• Using curving planter beds with planter borders and a variety of plant types, heights and textures.

• Adding height to the garden with the help of palm trees and a selection of plants.

• Incorporating lights and light features, ensuring a striking impression at night.

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I LANDSCAPE DESIGN

• Installing and creating a swimming pool and pergola for relaxation and entertainment.

Entering the property, you are greeted with a multitude of minimalist textures and colours - grass scrubs scattered, palm trees lining the entrance pathway in a grand gesture, camel coloured crushed ground cover stones playing contrast to the large high gloss tiled stepping slabs - all leading your eye to the oversized, round rustic scattering of pots with an olive tree and cycad (Zamia furfuracea) connecting with the existing tiled area and welcoming you to come inside.

The same style of tiles was used for a path all around the house as well as hugging the pool, creating a uniform look throughout. Gentle curving planter beds hug the perimeter, softening the straight lines with waved edges with a blend of Murraya Pan, Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm), Rhapis excelsa, also known as broadleaf lady palm or bamboo palm.

As you go around the corner of the villa, or go through the house and view from the large floor-toceiling windows of the living room, the inviting blue pool demands your attention.

The main feature and focus point on the property is the 14m x 4.5m pool installed by one of the handpicked partners, Pools By Design. Determined to respect the feeling of endless space, the infinity

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pool is right on point. Touches in the design, like the area for half submerged daybeds, just adds to the little luxuries that will make this home a haven for all who visits.

This aluminium 5500mm x 4500mm pergola has considerable functional benefits, especially to our climate. Pergolas are popular editions to outdoor living and with the trend to spend more time outside, they give additional living space and increase the amount of time you can spend outside. They are multifunctional as they can be used in the lounge or dining area, sides can be closed off for even more protection and some options allow the roofs to be changed to allow the amount of direct sunlight it allows.

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With an endless interest and curiosity in plants, we selected planters for edging the side of the pergola adding height and structure.

To complete the splendour, the floating steps with strips of LED lights are possibly one our favourite features when visiting at night. In fact, the whole garden was fitted with a range of spotlights, down lights and soft ambient lights, all perfectly placed. Add to that neatly finished tiled borders, carefully selected and well-manured plants, and no wonder the owners where overjoyed with the completed project.

Often, modern and minimalist gardens lack warmth and colour but a carefully planned palette allows the look to evolve and find depth alongside the owners as

they settle into their new home. We love handing over a solid framework for homeowners to move right in and make it their own. Patio furniture will add the very special finishing touches.

Services offered by Gin Wingfield Designs include; Landscaping of new properties, upgrading established gardens, green space renovations and upgrades, Outdoor living and entertainment area gardens, Fountains & water features, Irrigation systems, Custom designs and professional service with experience. www.ginwingfielddesigns.com Photocredits: Kayla Premachandra, K&A Studio

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I PLANTS OF ARABIA

By John A. Davies

A couple of weeks ago I received the most beautiful gift in the form of a book entitled Landscape Plants of Arabia by Julian Lee. Reading it was like being in Aladdin’s cave, for each page revealed a jewel reflected as an exquisitely photographed plant, complemented with a fountain of information. Thirty years in the making, the book represents the author’s magnum opus reflecting his profound love of the plant kingdom - a magnificent work! A superb reference manual for the greening of Arabia and I earnestly recommend it be included in every landscape professional’s library, indeed, every plant lover’s library!

Front cover of Landscape Plants of Arabia

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Julian Lee

Back cover of Landscape Plants of Arabia

A particular appeal and magical quality of the book to my mind is its layout. Rather than being divided into separate sections referring to say palms, trees and shrubs etc., the plants are arranged alphabetically with the result that while one page may refer to say a tree, another refers to a shrub, while another to a palm and yet another to a herbaceous subject or groundcover. As I continued turning the pages, it was as if I had entered an enchanted garden in which its occupants were communicating with me in tender loving terms and coalescing into vivid mental pictures of extraordinarily beautiful garden scenes.

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh / dailyreport.co.uk

The beauty of the book struck me very strongly as an appeal from Gaia, the soul of the world, urging mankind not to forsake her. The late ethno-botanist Terence McKenna also came to mind, since in some way I equated my experiences in the elemental world as similar to his encounters with the Psilocybin mushroom and Ayahuasqua. He believed that the world was approaching ecological destruction unless we reestablished our connection with nature, echoing Robert Ogilivi Crombie’s encounter with Pan, and presaging landscape Jean-Claude Melone’s call to “save mankind by planting trees,” which appeared in the May 2019 issue of Landscape Middle East Magazine.

Enchanted Garden / northcoastjournal. com

Landscape Plants of the Middle East clearly served as a vehicle for acquainting me with the wonderful interior world of the plant kingdom, for I found myself in a blissfully altered state of consciousness and being joyously greeted by the plants so beautifully presented.

The event reflected experiences I had had as a child in ancient woodland and also in the dentist’s chair under the influence of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) when I would find myself in the joyful company of elemental beings, whom I likened to elves and faeries, who would take me on gloriously happy roller coaster trips through their entrancing realm. Referring to nature spirits reminds me of physicist Robert Ogilvie Crombie’s meetings with Pan in The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, who warned that: “Unless humanity comes to realise the dangerous stupidity of outraging nature and stops the ever-increasing rate of pollution it will ultimately destroy itself.”

Robert Ogilvie Crombie

Jean-Claude Melone

Terence McKenna

Obviously Julian Lee’s deep love of plants prompted Gaia to enlist his services in acquainting the world with the beauty of her kingdom and how it could be reflected in Arabia, especially as the landscape planting palette when he first arrived in the region was extremely limited.

All credit to him for undertaking such a monumental work, especially since the research and trialling of plants, as well as the writing of the book, must have been undertaken while fulfilling the responsibilities of managing Desert Group, a company he founded in 1988 in Dubai, many years prior to the publication of the book in 2013.

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I PLANTS OF ARABIA

A garden in Manama JADLC

As mentioned, I interpreted Landscape Plants of Arabia as a follow-up to Jean – Claude’s cry to save mankind through planting trees; a symbol of the language of the Spirit urging me to get more involved in assisting in reversing the trend towards the oblivion of mankind. The book has most certainly had the effect of deepening my commitment to the Call. Hopefully, by celebrating its virtues, readers of this article will be inspired to purchase a copy and use it as a manual for transforming the exterior areas of their homes into beautiful gardens, thereby supporting Jean - Claude’s appeal. It goes without saying that they will improve their domestic environs by doing so and be rewarded with great joy. In addition, and most importantly, they will be playing a critical role in reversing global heating.

Expanding on the subject of global heating, a few days ago travelling along the Khalifa Highway several housing estates were encountered and though these featured street planting (thanks to Urban Planning at Bahrain’s Ministry of Works), it was intriguing to see that the yards of several residences were occupied by trees; in some instances their canopies rising almost to the roofline, thus creating very pleasing juxtapositions between nature and the built environment. Not surprisingly, the date palm was much in evidence reflecting Bahrain and the region’s psychological bond with this particular palm, and confirming humanity’s deep need to commune with the natural world. Recalling the trees featured in Landscape Plants of Arabia I imagined examples occupying those backyards, which as yet remain empty, combining with the trees already planted in backyards and common areas to form an urban oasis; thereby, while providing residents with a pleasing place to live, will magnify the contribution of the estate to arresting and reversing climate change.

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Images of Desert Group’s nursery Wahat Al Sahraa desertgroup.ae

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I PLANTS OF ARABIA As regards the urban oasis in the literal sense; that is, in a desert setting…many years ago, when taking part in an aerial survey of the northern coastal areas of Bahrain, a charming scene came into view comprising a collection of dwellings set in a date palm plantation. The scene really gladdened my heart, for the survey had revealed that many date palm plantations had succumbed to massive infrastructure development, leaving me much saddened.

However, seeing that small group of buildings nestling in the bosom of the palms, so to speak, gave me hope that, though development would likely cause continued date palm depletion, the harmony embodied in that picture could be transferred to the city, thereby making the date palm a significant feature in the urban landscape. This has since come to pass, not only through municipal planting initiatives, but by residents themselves as seen in the residential development referred to above.

Residential development in Bahrain punctuated with trees heralding an urban oasis / JADLC

The idea of the urban oasis or urban forest is not new, since it has its origin in the public parks created in 19th Century Britain to counter the city grime produced by the Industrial Revolution; later the idea being extended to the garden cities of Letchworth and Welwyn initiated by urban planner Sir Ebenezer Howard OBE, founder of the garden city movement. He was committed to the aim of reducing the alienation of humanity from nature and envisioned cities whereby people could live and work in harmony with her - ideas taken up by Fredrick Law Olmstead and reflected in his design for Central Park, New York. The care and management of trees in the urban forest is known as urban forestry, a term coined in the 1960s by Prof Erik Jorgensen of Toronto University with the idea of making cities more liveable and sustainable.

Welwyn Garden City / Hertsad.co.uk

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Dwellings nestling in the bosom of palm trees / JADLC

The date palm is the mother of the oasis, since its arching canopy provides protection for the other food crops growing in its company. In my experience this motherly characteristic has been very helpful in creating ornamental gardens. Recalling such instances, had a copy of Landscape Plants of Arabia been available at those times, the planting palette of those gardens would have been considerably richer.

Elevated view of a garden / JADLC

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No doubt Landscape Plants of Arabia is proving a joy to garden lovers throughout the Middle East. Likewise no doubt, it has become an outstanding source book for landscape professionals involved in development projects in the region - the smart city of Neom, also known as The Line, coming to mind. Located in Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia the city is being built along a line 170 kilometres long, where all services and transport are below ground, leaving 95% of the surface area dedicated to nature. The city will rely on renewable energy to produce abundant, clean, lowcost, environmentally friendly desalinated water, using pioneering solar dome technology

Viewing the animated video on the project’s website, The Line could be described as a symbol of the Tree of Life, albeit in fastigiated form, and indeed may have been inspired by the idea of a tree, the line itself being its trunk, winding pathways representing its branches; these in turn featuring villages set within clumps of vegetation, with the inflorescences of the tree being the people living in the villages – the flowers of creation.

Bahrain’s Tree of Life / Easyvoyage.co.uk

Cross section of The Line / rostraeconomica.nl

The aim of Neom is to restore our connection with nature, thereby improving our health and well-being and by extension our happiness. The project’s website describes the city as a place where “communities will live in harmony with nature, where open space, parks, gardens, the natural environment and sustainable food production are mixed seamlessly.” Sentiments pleasing to the hearts of all who are committed to improving our relationship with our planetary home.

As mentioned, I stated that I viewed Landscape Plants of Arabia as a follow-up to Jean Claude’s call to save mankind by planting trees, and as a heartfelt plea from Gaia urging mankind not to abandon her. Having become acquainted with the wonderful possibilities offered by Neom and solar dome technology, it can be confidently said that there is hope and she will not be abandoned.

Both Landscape Plants of Arabia and Neom herald her recovery and together present a vision as to how this reunion is to be accomplished, which by extension ensures the future of mankind.

Heralding mankind’s reconnection with nature / shutterstock.com

Concluding with a note about Julian Lee; while deserving the highest praise for writing Landscape Plants of Arabia, he is also to be commended for his significant contribution towards establishing proper standards for growing nursery stock, standards which, over the years, have greatly improved the quality of plants available to the landscape industry in the region.

Pedestrian Layer of The Line / Sponsored.bloomberg.com

www.johnadavieslandscapes.com

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I PUBLIC AREAS

A Walk About the City of London

Professor Ashok Ganapathy Iyer pays homage to London’s public parks and urban landscapes, reflecting on why they saved people during the pandemic My first real glimpse of the City of London was through a misty window on a late night National Coach Bus service as I journeyed into the city, which may have slightly skewed my expectations, but I couldn’t help but be impressed by this nocturnal urban sprawl in all its glory.

London has over 3,000 public parks and 47 per cent of the city has been designated as ‘Green’. Yet the green open spaces juxtaposing London’s landscape were few and far between, at least from what I could see. My travelogue through London and its green spaces is a clarion call to revive the same traveler-

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spirit in the emerging post-pandemic scenario by experiencing urbanity, architecture, and landscape as the unifying physical and emotional canvas for a humane habitat.

My day started with a traveler’s breakfast followed by a walk across Westminster Bridge leading us to the solemn urban square of parliamentary democracy, Parliament Square Garden with Winston Churchill’s bronze statue dominating the landscape with an array of statues and the world-famous clock tower, Big Ben on the backdrop. Walking across Victoria Street meandering through touristy shops and the interjection with our earlier footprints leads us to Hyde Park; London’s equivalent to Central Park New York City. Wellington Arch and the Royal Artillery Memorial form a small island-based green urban square leading the travelers

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to the monumental scale of Hyde Park. Wellington Arch reflects the political fervor that is radiated onto the onlooker by static moments dedicated to martyrs of a bygone era. Next is the 40-acre Serpentine Lake within Hyde Park and a walk around this monumental man-made water body built in the 1730’s with its café, restaurant, boats, people and the interjection of mother nature with humanity is both, surreal and palpable. Our walk past Henry Moore’s urban and landscape-faceted sculpture leads us to the Italian gardens giving a sense of English Landscape and the essence of natural over

man-made. The trees along the Budge’s Walk and Speke Monument; somewhere along the middle-path represents the many travelogues that represent the relevance of one of the greatest English Explorers; John Hanning Speke and his memorial in the natural context of English Landscape. From there we take in Kensington Palace Grounds and Gardens and the sculpture of young Victoria in the Palace Grounds and Albert Memorial speaks volumes about English royalty and their role in the creation of Hyde Park. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, Albert Memorial epitomizes power and influence of the British Empire that was in vain, pretty much at the time this monumental extravaganza was being built. A contemporary art and architectural house of cards is the Serpentine Gallery as it was in its scenic past in 2013 before Zaha Hadid’s new parametric intervention of the present today. The Diana Memorial Fountain at Hyde Park is an eye-opener for landscape designers of the day. This memorial is a non-memorial in physical terms though in reference to an emotional quotient, its design as a

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I PUBLIC AREAS

memorial fountain for the People’s Princess is totally relevant. Urban citizens enjoying the various sections of this water body, especially young children are a reminder of the connection between the late Princess and humanity.

For the travelers armed with the London city map, a walk through the crowd along Thames River and treading Hungerford pedestrian bridge, the view of London in reference to Thames in all directions is truly breathtaking. Victoria Embankment with its memorial benches, a wonderful public amenity gives the traveler, a close-up of the Egyptian Obelisk and the two Sphinx from a more contemporary period, inducing out the innate thrills of a tourist going back to seventeenth or nineteenth century and the shipment of monumental historic memorabilia which is unthinkable in today’s context.

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A walk-through St. James Park with its water body and people sitting around and the sounds of innumerable ducks and swans with other avian species represent the intrinsic part of this urban natural landscape. St. James’s Park along with Green Park and Buckingham Palace Gardens are the ‘heaven-on-earth’ scenario as urban landscape spatial typologies within London City. The expanse of these three urban parks with Buckingham Palace grounds significantly raises the importance of the English Royal Household within this urban landscape which is further emphasized by age-old trees that dominate this extended royal forest.

The Tower of London and the Tower Bridge that travelers seldom mistake for the London Bridge through the Victoria Embankment past H.Q.S. Wellington and the H.M.S. President reflects the bygone era of Great Britain as a onetime Naval Power; though for the urban citizen; River Thames experientially is raised to the pedestal of central urban landscape denominator for the City of London, with the travelers walking along its banks. Past the Thames Street and the South Walk Bridge, one of the travelers (author) would like to walk over the Millenium Bridge; also nick-named ‘Wobbly Bridge.’ The late evening view represents ‘A View to Kill,’ with harsh brick and glass clad buildings of London Landscape on both sides and in front of this one-point perspective rises St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The great English architect Christopher Wren’s gift to the city of London. The crowning architectural jewel of this city that reminds travelers of the reason for Winston Churchill to place huge efforts towards saving this monument during the air raids of the Second World War. Foodies love London for its burgeoning street food culture and trendy pop-ups, art lovers for its galleries, music lovers for its nightlife, but all that came to a standstill in March 2020 and all that was left were the public parks!

They saved us…. let’s not forget that.

Ashok Ganapathy Iyer is a Professor & Chairperson at the School of Design and Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai

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I RESORT

OMRAN architects has created exotic resort living in New Cairo, Egypt.

Palm Hills Villa A spectacular blend of dramatic natural beauty and modern architecture is on display in this iconic Palm Hills Villa located in New Cairo. The Landscape Design provides a tropical feel to this home with a masterful interplay of materials, colours, and landscape elements that create a dynamic dialogue between the interior and exterior.

The modern landscape provides a unique luxurious experience for its users with minimalistic

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modern lines that compliments the existing architecture.

A large infinity pool encloses a sunken lounge for family gatherings, propped up by a sloped green carpet that merges the different landscape levels. The neutral colour of the house reflects the natural light tones of the landscape, exuding elegance and a sense of calm from within all of the interior spaces.

The design generates a string of spaces integrated with one another, detached from the

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surroundings and interconnected through a series of landscaped platforms. A modern outdoor shower is located within the garden design with deer art works.

A barbeque area is located adjacent to the wooden deck that enjoys the pool view. The project respects the amazing view of the compound and natural surroundings, by using pure, well-framed lines, and a large volume of fenestration and glass.

The ground floor features the dining room, living room, one toilet, three bedrooms, one suite, an office, a stunning inner garden and a large and modern kitchen with an island. All oriented towards the sea and outdoor deck to provide a true sense of seamless indoor-outdoor living. A further two bedrooms and two more bedroom suites, including the master suite with a generously sized dressing room, are found on the second floor with a private terrace. To serve this indoor-outdoor dialectic purpose, the architects have

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I RESORT

specifically elaborated extra slim window frames, of almost non-existent expression, to allow huge spans of glass instead of walls but with dilution in the space that usually frames don’t have. Materials were sourced from around the world for their quality, as well as their beauty and rarity. Warm woods cover the floor, ceilings, and wardrobes, unifying and enlarging the rooms while adding a peaceful, natural quality to living spaces.

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I PARKS

Parkhill Commons

A Green Community Hub Parkhill Commons in the Baoan District of Shenzhen in China is the only public open space in the area, connecting education, housing and local retail in a vibrant recreational and ecological neighborhood.

By: PLAT Studio

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The project is located on a south-facing hillside in the northern part of the Jiangangshan neighborhood in the Baoan District of Shenzhen, China. Jiangangshan Avenue is a broad, treelined road, combined with the adjacent reservoir and lush forest creates a pleasant microclimate environment. Twenty years ago, the first batch of garden houses were built between here and it has gradually grown into the largest low-density residential area in western Shenzhen. However, its public facilities have not kept pace, with few public spaces and amenities.

A new masterplan for the area integrates Jiangangshan into the urban core. A number of projects are under construction nearby, including new subway stations, schools, high-density residences, and commercial areas. A large influx of new residents will follow these expansions, highlighting a dearth of public space. Parkhill Commons and surrounding streetscapes have added 4,000 square meters of new park land, the only public open space in the neighborhood.

Parkhill Commons is acting as a green hub community hub, connecting the public realm, old and new residential areas, new business districts and schools, and highlighting the neighborhood’s natural beauty. Using elegant design strategies,

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the park provides modern amenities to promote a vibrant, social and health-focused park. The verdant space balances ecological and human needs; managing rainwater and mitigating urban heat island effect, while setting the stage for a lively neighborhood with activities for all ages.

Systematic design of community open space: starting at the core of a foothill community Designers studied the context to plan a forwardthinking community that will be comfortable while accommodating a high density of residents. The next round of development will bring new neighbors to the park, breathing it to life. The space will be an anchor, inviting residents to build community in the comfort and calm of urban nature. The three elements of neighborhood open spaces — park, streets and homes — are designed to work as a complimentary system, building the framework for an inviting community.

Parkhill Commons is central to the first phase and implementation of the larger vision.

Radiating outwards, it connects recreation with green streets. Acting as a community hub, it will connect new and existing residents, retail and housing, everything from urban plazas to lush gardens.

A new park for a high-density community: people-oriented, compact and flexible With the rise of high-density urbanism, we are creating a unique and timeless refuge where residents can let their hair down. Everyone can feel like the main character in this unique and welcoming environment. With a variety of amenities and environments, people can relax with friends and family for gatherings large and small.

The site has a significant grade change and an unusual shape. However these unique features set the stage for a distinctive design language with gradual slopes, steps and retaining walls coming together to create people-oriented spaces. Efficiently using space for a variety of functions and flowing from one area to another, the result is a strong central gesture with lush planting surrounding each area.

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I PARKS

In the center, a long lawn is enveloped by elegant paths and shaded granite benches. A gradual slope invites community center visitors to enjoy terraced seating across the turf. Full of possibilities, the lawn can accommodate sports, small concerts and markets. Resting amongst layers of plants and diverse program on the North side and lush amphitheater seating to the East, the lawn acts as a stage and anchor to Parkhill Commons.

Along the north edge of the lawn, visitors find a sloped playground and basketball court.

The playground slope gives parents an excellent eye line from the lawn and provides children with a diverse array of exciting play equipment. The slope becomes a vital element of play, with many ways to climb up and slide down. The top level has a singular treehouse, where the play structure is entwined with the tree canopy. This platform showcases spectacular views across the site and is the entrance to a winding and exhilarating slide.

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The bouncy surface and design elements create an exciting loop for children to play and explore.

Moving east, the basketball court is surrounded by retaining walls and hedges, with both courtside seating and a landing overlooking the court from above. The colorful murals and the court’s bright ground plane lend the space vitality.

Between the court and playground, steps lead users from the activity of the lawn and program areas towards the street where they’ll find a quiet garden. Linking the street to the park, trees and lush plant beds line the leisurely neighborhood road.

Working with architects and interior designers, the community center fluidly meets the park. Anchoring the southwest corner entry, the building and landscape meet with seamless paving from lobby to plaza. Cafe seating allows visitors to look across the park with their views framed by an elegant fountain and a graceful focal point tree.

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I PARKS

Vibrant streets for safety, greenery, and community The streetscapes extend the park’s calm atmosphere, with narrow roads to slow traffic and wide tree-lined sidewalks to encourage walking.

Bike and running paths give space for faster movement while being separated from auto traffic.

Custom street furniture gives the street a distinct public realm for residents to enjoy with any mode of transport.

Street corners provide shade, seating and sculptural signage for easy navigation and a comfortable experience. The northeast corner has an elaborate weathervane, with silhouettes of the various sports and activities that visitors can enjoy at the park.

Ecological framework: keep mature trees and absorb stormwater The design prioritizes ecology from the outset.

The northern edge stays at street level grade to preserve the many mature trees that existed there.

This mature canopy creates a lush backdrop for the layers of diverse planting on the slope between lawn and northern road.

Due to the high volume of rain in the wet season, the park acts as a sponge for the neighborhood to prevent flooding. A large underground basin is connected to overflow pipes to create a rainwater system that holds water onsite until storms pass.

Signage shows visitors how the system works to increase engagement with the local ecology.

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I AWARDS

Grant Associates awarded Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show with The Guangzhou Garden Bath-based landscape architecture practice Grant Associates has been awarded the Gold Medal at the 2021 Chelsea Flower Show for its Chinese-inspired Guangzhou Garden, which shows how cites of the future must be considered as landscape cities.

Designed by the practice’s director Peter Chmiel and senior associate Chin-Jung Chen, ‘The Guangzhou Garden: Guangzhou China’ takes inspiration from Guangzhou, a port city northwest of Hong Kong on China’s Pearl River. The ambitious design showcases numerous planting species and aquatic designs that were perfect for the first autumnal show in Chelsea’s 108 year history, with The Guangzhou Garden including one of the largest volumes of water ever to feature in a Chelsea show garden.

The pair›s Chinese-inspired garden pays homage to Guangzhou’s philosophy which gives equal consideration to the needs of people and wildlife through sustainable city

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planning strategies, reconnecting people and nature in a mutually beneficial relationship. Originally set to be delivered in 2020 before the pandemic led to the cancellation of last year’s event, the pair’s design was subtly adapted to best showcase the more mature plants and trees.

The award-winning ‘Guangzhou Garden’ has been designed by Grant Associates, the practice behind Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, on behalf of China-based culture project consultancy Creativersal and main sponsor, the Administration of Forestry and Gardening of Guangzhou Municipality. The garden has been created in collaboration with garden design consultancy The Outdoor Room, with prominent bamboo

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structures developed in partnership with Xylotek, living walls from Biotecture and water features supplied by Bamber Wallis.

Known as ‘the city between mountain and water’, Guangzhou’s approach to environmental planning is based on the concept of ‘ecological civilisation’. Guangzhou has a distinct environmental plan which divides the city into three zones: social green space for people within the central business district (Heart); protected green spaces to the north (Lungs); and protected aquatic areas to the south (Kidneys).

Peter Chmiel, director at Grant Associates, comments: “We are absolutely delighted to win Gold at the Chelsea Flower Show with The Guangzhou Garden. Our creative vision has been more than two years in the making, and being awarded Gold is a testament to the whole team that was responsible for making the Guangzhou Garden a reality. It was a huge challenge to effectively capture and convey the essence of vast and vibrant Guangzhou into a 20mx10m, but we are thrilled with the finished result and how our aquatic displays and extensive, exotic wetland cleansing area have been received by the judges and attendees so far this year. The Guangzhou Garden encourages us to all think about our future cities as landscape cities that enable people and nature to come closely together.”

Chin-Jung Chen, senior associate at Grant Associates, adds: We have been very fortunate to collaborate with such a creative team for our first Chelsea show garden and it has been incredibly exciting to receive many positive comments about the garden’s serenity and beauty. We hope that the Guangzhou

Garden provides inspiration and a sense of calm to Chelsea Flower Show visitors this week.”

The ‘Guangzhou Garden’ is inspired by three zones: Lungs: Characterful trees (dawn redwood, scots pine, field maple and birch) create the ‘woodland dell’ capturing particulate matter, absorbing nitrous and sulphur dioxide.

Sedges, Euphorbia and ferns form a green carpet, punctuated with accent and dome-shaped plants such as rodgersia and angelica. These species all help to clean the water, air and provide a resilient habitat.

Heart: Areas for people and nature to mingle and rest. These are created through five structures made of laminated moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) - a fast growing, sustainably sourced bamboo that is also easier to recycle than typical construction materials. The tallest structure is 8.5 m tall.

Kidneys: Wetlands planted with aquatic plants to improve water quality, including water forget-me-not, irises, scouring rush and floating plants. Stepping stones allow people to experience the water at close range which includes waterfalls and small weirs and cascades over rocks.

The three garden zones are all visually united by an elegant, graceful drifting wave of green foliage plants including airy frothy perennials in soft shades of white, and subtle hints of blue and yellow. Variations of these colours, including vivid lime green, are woven throughout.

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I BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS In a nod to normality, Dubai recently hosted over 36,000 professionals from around the world at the first in person construction event in two years.

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Business professionals congregated at Dubai’s construction mega-event The Big 5, returning as the only live in-person event connecting the global construction industry in 2021.

The Big 5 is The Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s (MEASA) largest and most influential event for the construction industry, last week welcomed over 36,000 industry professionals, bringing the business community back to face-to-face business for the first time in two years.

Josine Heijmans, Vice President — Construction at dmg events said: “The Big 5 has been an outstanding success this year and we are delighted to be back. The diversity and quality of participation has reaffirmed the industry’s demand for in-person business events and thriving activity at the exhibition shows that the region’s construction sector is well poised for growth following the COVID-19 impact.”

During the four-day event, inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, the exhibition connected the region’s engineers, architects, contractors, and project managers with over 1,200 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, offering access to the latest construction products and solutions set to accelerate market growth.

For the first time this year, The Big 5 launches its Online Reconnect days. Open from 16 -17 November the platform offers the global construction community the chance to re-engage to close sales, follow-up on vital business conversations, and access the latest content from The Big 5’s international speakers.

Faruq Mangera, General Manager at Al Waseef Industries sees the Reconnect Days as a vital phase in exhibiting today, and as a means to enter new markets: “We have had visitors from Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Africa and more to our stand and I’m sure that the online exhibition in November will continue to help us tremendously with these new markets; our team have been trained to use that system, to meet customers online to showcase our products and to show who we are.”

With three high-level summits this year, 70 CPD certified talks delivered by 150 speakers, the inaugural Construction Impact Awards and returning Start-up City and the Women in Construction Forum, The Big 5 drew in proactive and forward-thinking professionals more ready to do business than any year before.

Hans Reinders, Founder & New Business Development at returning exhibitor Oxycom concluded that the quality of participation at the event was as high, if not higher than any year before. He said: “The stop for a year and half meant no business, but somewhere you have to start buying again, installing again, and changing again, and that momentum is here.”

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I EXPO 2020

Major mural collaboration by US mission to the UAE and American University of Sharjah revealed at Expo 2020 Dubai

A giant 125 square-meter mural weighing approximately 500 kilograms created by UAE and USA-based established designers has been officially revealed at Expo 2020 Dubai, as a collaboration between American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the U.S. Mission to the UAE. The mural opening was officiated by U.S. Consul General Meghan Gregonis, USA Pavilion Commissioner General Robert Clark, AUS Chancellor Dr. Susan Mumm and Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design at AUS. The mural combines Arabic and English typography, featuring the phrase “You and I, seek to forge a limitless universe,” penned by celebrated Emirati author and AUS alumna Eman Al Yousuf. The lenticular design and modular typographies were contributed by U.S. graphic designer Jarett Fuller, and UAE designer Nada AlYafei, a graduate of AUS. AUS faculty Riem Ibrahim and Hala Al-Ani and architect Bishoy Girgis, along with Polish designer Marian Misiak, who led the project as co-designers, mentors and coordinators, and facilitated the 60-hour fabrication and construction process in the Al Dhaid, Sharjah, factory of StructurFlex Middle East Contractors. The mural comprises a series of 25 locally sourced galvanized iron sheets, each weighing 20 kilograms, hinging on a supporting frame.

Located in Expo 2020 Dubai’s Opportunity District, the mural is titled Lettering Large and celebrates themes of diversity, unity, coexistence, tolerance and limitless opportunities shared by the UAE and the United States.

Consul General Gregonis, said: “The U.S. Mission to the UAE is proud to support American University of Sharjah’s mural project at

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Expo 2020 Dubai, which promotes the USA Pavilion’s theme of ‘Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of the Future.’ This project also exemplifies the U.S. Mission’s commitment to partnering with UAE’s top educational institutions to encourage innovation, collaboration, and exchange between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.”

Under the guidance and mentorship of a faculty and staff team from CAAD, visual communication and multimedia design students created the mural’s visual identity and its application in multiple channels, including the social media campaign and a marketing video.

AUS Chancellor Dr. Susan Mumm said: “To have been involved in a project of this scale at such a major global event as Expo 2020 Dubai is a significant achievement for the AUS community.

We are grateful to the U.S. Mission in the UAE for supporting our team’s vision from concept to completion and for allowing AUS to showcase the skills of our students, alumni and faculty to the world in this way.”

As the project lead, AUS Assistant Professor in Visual Communication Riem Ibrahim said the greatest challenge was taking a two-dimensional text and translating it into a three-dimensional viewing experience in a way that unites both English and Arabic language audiences.

“The text provided by the very talented author Eman Al Yousef— who happens to be a chemical engineering graduate from AUS— speaks to the aspirational views of both the UAE and the USA for a future that pushes beyond the limits of our imagination. The lenticular effect captures this aspiration beautifully, providing a unique and dynamic viewing experience: the artwork changes as the viewer moves across until they are able to fully read the statement clearly and simultaneously in both languages,” said Ibrahim.

During Expo Dubai 2020, which runs through March 31, 2022, AUS will coordinate a series of workshops to share their process and design. A publication will also be developed by AUS design students to document the process, selection and fabrication of the mural.

The legacy of this initiative will extend beyond Expo 2020 Dubai when the artwork will be dismantled and then divided into seven separate sections as stand-alone murals for each of the seven emirates of the UAE, becoming public monuments enjoyed by UAE audiences for years to come.

Visitors can view Lettering Large at OA12, Opportunity District, opposite the Eqypt Pavilion, a five-minute walk from the USA Pavilion.

For more insights on the Lettering Large collaboration, follow @public.type on Instagram or visit www.aus.edu/lettering-largeexpo-2020-dubai. For more information on the USA Pavilion, please visit www.usapavilion.org.

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I BOOK REVIEW

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

BOOKS OF INTEREST THE COURSE OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE ISBN: 9780500342978 PUBLICATION DATE: May 31, 2016 HARDCOVER: 304 pages

BOOK DESCRIPTION: . Christophe Girot sets out to chronicle this history, drawing on all aspects of mankind’s creativity and ingenuity. In twelve chapters, he brings together the key stories that have shaped our man-made landscapes. Each chapter consists of a thematic essay that ties together the central developments, as well as a case study illustrated with specially commissioned photographs and meticulously detailed 3D re–creations showing the featured site in its original context.

The result of over two decades of teaching experience and academic research at one of the world’s leading universities, The Course of Landscape Architecture will reach international students and professionals. But its wealth of visual material, the wide range of its cultural references and the beauty of the landscapes it features will attract the interest of all who desire to enrich their understanding of how our landscapes have been formed, and how we relate to them.600 illustrations, 550 in color

COMMUNITY LANDSCAPE DESIGN ISBN: 9789881296887 PUBLICATION DATE: 1 Aug. 2014 HARDCOVER: 288 pages BOOK DESCRIPTION: As the world is undergoing rapid urbanization and demands for good housing in cities soar, we are looking for residential environment where we can take refuge from our intense and hectic lifestyle. This enticing book is a window to a diverse range of community landscape design creating exceptional living environment across the globe addressing this need of high-quality housing. This stimulating book is divided into three sections high-rise residential tower landscape, mid-rise residential block landscape and low-rise villa landscape as each category has its unique landscape character.

Included projects demonstrate how landscape architects integrate the key parameters; culture, context, sustainability and budget making it a useful reference to both landscape design professionals and enthusiast.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS: PRINCIPLES, GUIDELINES AND BEST PRACTICES ISBN: 9780470402177 PUBLICATION DATE: 18 Nov. 2015 PAPERBACK : 432 pages

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Construction Documentation Standards and Best Practices for Landscape Architectural Design offers guidelines, methods, and techniques for creating more robust project documents. Developed and authored by one of the world′s leading landscape architectural firms, this material has been field tested by Design Workshop′s ten offices and 150 designers to ensure completeness, practicality, and effectiveness. The book provides an overview of the entire design and construction process in the context of actual documentation, with best practice standards for design document content, format, and graphics. Readers learn how to apply these practices to serve the specific needs of different projects, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how complete documentation better serves the project as a whole.

This book presents a set of standards that serve as a roadmap of the design process, helping designers provide the complete documentation that the most highly executed projects require.

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I NEW ONGOING PROJECTS

middleeasttenders.com

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STATUS : NEW TENDER TRADE CATEGORY : AGRICULTURAL, LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION

NEW & CURRENT PROJECTS Tender Name

Description

Client

Region

Tender Cost (USD)

Post Date

Closing Date

Gardens Maintenance

Maintenance of Gardens, Green Spaces and Irrigation Networks.

Najran Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

267

10/8/2021

11/3/2021

Irrigation System

Provision of Irrigation System Network Works Project at Salwa Port.

Customs Department (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

267

10/11/2021

11/2/2021

Ornamental Plants Applied Units O&M

Operation and Maintenance of Applied Units for Ornamental Plants and Cut Flowers.

Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs & Fish Resources - PAAFR (Kuwait)

Kuwait

1000

10/5/2021

10/26/2021

Landscape Setting & Maintenance Works

Setting and Maintenance of Landscape.

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (Ajman)

Northern Emirates

572

9/30/2021

10/25/2021

Palm Treatment & Care

Palm Treatment and Care

Southern Area Municipality (Bahrain)

Bahrain

40

10/12/2021

10/24/2021

Landscaping & Irrigation Maintenance

Annual Maintenance of Landscaping, Irrigation and Associated Works.

South Sharqiyah Governor Office (Oman)

Oman

65

9/15/2021

10/24/2021

Landscaping & Irrigation Maintenance

Annual Maintenance of Landscaping, Irrigation and Associated Works.

South Sharqiyah Governor Office (Oman)

Oman

65

9/15/2021

10/24/2021

Red Dust Garden

Supply of Red Dust Garden.

Jordan University of Science & Technology

Jordan

10/7/2021

10/20/2021

Ornamental Trees

Supply of Ornamental Trees.

Jordan University of Science & Technology

Jordan

35

10/5/2021

10/20/2021

Automatic Irrigation System

Supply and Installation of Automatic Irrigation System.

Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning (Bahrain)

Bahrain

39

10/4/2021

10/20/2021

Landscaping & Irrigation System Maintenance

Provision of Landscaping and Maintenance of Irrigation System

Ministry of Health (Oman)

Oman

64

9/19/2021

10/20/2021

Greenhouse Materials & Tools

Supplying Materials and Tools for Al-Waha Vegetable Greenhouse.

Al Waha Petroleum Company (Iraq)

Iraq

10/7/2021

10/19/2021

Flowers

Supply of Flowers.

Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club

Qatar

275

9/30/2021

10/19/2021

Transporting Services

Preparing the Digging, Uprooting, Transporting and Planting the Full-Grown Coconut Palms and Providing Seedlings on Demand.

Dhofar Municipality (Oman)

Oman

65

9/21/2021

10/19/2021

Landscaping & Irrigation Maintenance

Call-off Price Agreement for Landscaping ,Irrigation, Ancillary Works and Test.

Public Works Authority - ASHGHAL (Qatar)

Qatar

8585

9/19/2021

10/19/2021

Maintenance & Rehabilitation Works

Maintenance and Rehabilitation of The Operating Room of Al-Haidan Agricultural Wells.

Ministry of Water & Irrigation (Jordan)

Jordan

10/7/2021

10/18/2021

Plant & Irrigation System Maintenance

Maintenance Plant & Irrigation System at Private Entrance Part 2.

Dubai Municipality (Published

Dubai

10/6/2021

10/18/2021

Growing Plants Maintenance

Maintenance & Growing Plants at Warsan Nursery.

Dubai Municipality (Published on eSupply Portal)

Dubai

10/6/2021

10/18/2021

Plant & Irrigation System Maintenance

Maintenance Plant & Irrigation System at Marmoum - Private Entrance.

Dubai Municipality (Published on eSupply Portal)

Dubai

10/6/2021

10/18/2021

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